Kingston panel endorses Uptown parking lot overhauls (video)(updated)

KINGSTON, N.Y. - A Common Council panel Wednesday night endorsed an overhaul of two Uptown parking lots marked by potholes, cracks, and rusted guardrails.

The council's Public Safety/General Government Committee put its stamp of approval on a proposal to renovate the two North Front Street lots, one near the Parent-Teacher Store, the other next to Nekos-Dedrick's Pharmacy across the street.

In endorsing the overhaul, the committee did not actually authorize the work to be done or agree to any borrowing. That decision will be up to the council's Finance/Economic Development Committee and the full Common Council.

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During the meeting, there was some discussion about metering the two lots. Kingston Public Works Superintendent Michael Schupp said he favors a metering plan.

Schupp said revenue generated from the paid parking would help supply his department with sorely needed funding to maintain the lots once they are restored. Schupp said the shape they are in now is due to the lack of maintenance.

Schupp also told the committee that a better "management" plan needs to be developed to maintain the lots properly. Schupp has consistently told council committees that his department is so understaffed that it is difficult to do basic work like picking up garbage and clearing snow from city streets.

Schupp also said paid parking should be put in place at the larger parking lot on North Front street where a parking garage formerly stood.

"There are 100 spots there," Schupp said later. "You are giving it away and it is prime real estate."

Alderman Thomas Hoffay, D-Ward 2, the council's majority leader, said Thursday that the committee has sent a message with its decision. Hoffay represents the area and has pushed for the overhaul of the two lots.

Among other things, Hoffay has said the overhaul could increase in the number of spaces in the lots.

"We need to maximize parking available in those lots because it is a very important thing to Uptown," he said.